I had the valve cover gasket replaced over a year ago. Replacing the gasket did not improve the issue.

I was also told by the shop I took my car to that there was some type of leak in the transmission lines.

I spent $500.00 dollars and nothing was resolved. Of course the shop I took it to did not feel any obligation to obsorb the cost for guessing. I have not been back to the shop in question.

Does transmission fluid burn off smell the same as oil burn off?

Thank you again for your feedback.

Walbaco

I don't think trans fluid can leak onto the exhaust unless it is leaking from the cooler lines near the radiator. I had some ATF from the power steering get on the exhaust and it smelled different than oil when it burned. Did you degrease the motor and look for new leaks? Another poster suggested coating suspect areas with baby powder to look for fresh leaks. Also, you could try flourescent dye in the oil and a black light. Good luck in your search.

I have just read all these posts having done a search for problems with power steering. I have a similar problem with my '02 SE with the Vulcan engine. My daughter came home last night complaining of a burnt smell. I popped the hood and saw ps fluid pooled in the cap of the power steering fluid tank as if it had blown out what looks to be a vent hole on the cap. The fluid was low--and I recalled I had topped it off a couple weeks ago. No leaks are apparent around the tank or pump body. The burnt smell was the fluid leaking down on a hot pipe I guess.

What gives? It was very cold last night--in the single digits. The cap doesn't seem real tight on the neck. When it is tightened down I can still rock it a bit. The power steering pump makes no noise and works fine.

Thank you for all of your input. I think I found out where my burning oil smell is coming from. It actually maybe coming from two sources. A friend of mine is a manager at a quick lube. While have my car in for routine tranmission service he found two places where there was oil leaking. One place was at the oil pan and the other was at the rack and pinion. The burning smell is for sure coming from the rack and pinion leak. The leak drips directly on to a part of the exaust. In fact there was a black stain on the exhaust from where the leak has been dripping. The oil pan leak maybe causing some burning smell from the oil being blown on to part of the exhaust. There was no concreate proof that the oil pan leak was the culprit of the smell. I was told I could create some type of shield to redirect the leak at the rack and pinion. The leak is small enough that my friend did not think it was worth the cost to replace the rack and pinion. The oil pan was snugged up and a additive added that expands the gasket to seal any leaks. I was not to sure about the additive, but I trust my friend. I have not come up with some type of shield yet. If I can figure out a way of creating a shield I will let you know how it works.

I had to change a vacuum tube that fell onto the EGR tube and melted... I had a faint whistle when I was driving in for example an alley, with garages on both sides. Replacing the hose and zip ties this time keeps it off that tube. Problem went away immediately. However, I am still dealing with this paranormal misfire when the ac is on or the defrost and heat's on...
I used ends from spark plug wires to replace both pcv elbows on front and back valve covers... the boots that the wires attach to the coil... They are an awesome exact fit and are designed to take the heat. I also used a spring inside the the pcv elbow under the Intake plenum to keep it from collapsing as it tends to do...

I own a 2003 Ford Taurus with the 3.0 Vulcan Engine. Occasionally when stopped and with the heater running I smell an odor like burning oil It kind of smells like when you spill oil on hot manifold. I took the car to a local shop and they have replaced the gaskets to the valve cover and said they corrected a miss-routed hose for the transmission. I questioned the miss-routed hose to the transmission, I was told that the hose was connected wrong and that transmission fluid was coming out of the transmission dip stick.
I spend approximately $500.00 dollars and the issue is not resolved. At this point I refuse to take the car back to the same shop. I canít afford to pay for the shop in question to guess at the problem of the issue and keep charging me.

With that said, has anyone encountered this issue? I did search the forum on this site and seen various things. I am just curious if this is a common issue with the later model Taurus. I currently have 106,000 mile on my car.

Any feedback is appreciated.

Thank you.

Walbaco

I had that same issue when I first got my 02 with the Vulcan - Mine happened to be the oil pan gasket - And like you, it was only at lights, and intermittent. When they took off the old one, it wasn't quite paper thin but darned close (Skimpy Ford!) - The new one is like 5x as thick and seems a better quality gasket. I think it was around $20 at Autozone, and after it was replaced the smell was gone!

Your suggestion did help. Like you the issue was the oil pan gasket. The leak was very small, but when it drips on the exhaust it stinks. I replaced the oil pan filter with some help from my Brother In Law. It took us about 5 hours. I am glad this issue is resolved. I am planning on giving the car to my Daughter. I was hesitant to give it to her with this issue.

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